The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing recently celebrated the graduation of its first class from the Transitioning Military and Veteran Training Program. This initiative provides advanced manufacturing and precision machining training for active duty and veteran soldiers preparing to enter the civilian workforce.

The program was developed through a collaboration among CCAM, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Southside Virginia Community College, the Crater Regional Workforce Investment Board, the Virginia Employment Commission, 180 Skills and the Fort Lee Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program.

Fort Lee’s Soldier for Life program identified a group of transitioning soldiers to participate in the inaugural class. This gave the soldiers the opportunity to receive training, free-of-charge, during the last few months of their enlistment to prepare them to quickly begin a civilian career.

Training took place at SVCC’s Emporia Center and included 162 modules of interactive, online learning and 300+ hours of hands-on training. Instructors were provided by SVCC and SVHEC.

The eight graduates received a Machining Skills Certificate from SVCC and five industry credentials, including OSHA 10 and 4 NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills) certifications.

Employers in the region, including Enclos Inc., Jewett Machine Inc., Richmond Tooling Inc., Rolls-Royce, Coesia North America and Kosmo Machine Inc. actively supported the program by participating in the curriculum design and visiting and mentoring students along the way.

All eight graduates have received job offers.

“The motivation of the students and employers made this first class a success,” said CCAM Director of Workforce Development Bruce Sobczak. “Driven by feedback from local employers, we’re currently looking at expanding the curriculum to include industrial maintenance technician and industrial CAD drafter certifications, as well as adding a location to serve the military workforce in the Hampton Roads region.”

To learn more about the Transitioning Military and Veteran Training Program, contact Bruce Sobczak at bruce.sobczak@ccam-va.com.

More than 18,000 people exit Virginia military bases each year and enter the civilian workplace. This initiative is another shining example of the public-private partnerships that keep Virginia’s workforce at the top of their game. To learn more, click here.

The Transitioning Military and Veteran Training Program students celebrate their graduation with CCAM’s Bruce Sobczak (center) and their Fort Lee program managers (in uniform). Photo courtesy of CCAM.

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The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), a state authority created by the Virginia General Assembly to better serve those seeking a prime business location and increased trade opportunities, provides confidential site selection and international trade services. VEDP's mission: To enhance the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all Virginians, in collaboration with Virginia communities, through aggressive business recruitment, expansion assistance, and trade development, thereby expanding the tax base and creating higher-income employment opportunities.